Research/Summary Paper Select a topic which deals with a current situation relating to conflict. It is expected that your topic will be as current as of yr. 2019-2020, and has had an effect on our eco
What Conflict Is: An Individual Viewpoint
Conflict is a normal and inevitable part of human contact, according to my own perspective. Conflict, in my opinion, is the mental and/or emotional strain that results when two or more people or groups believe that their identity, values, or objectives are under danger. It is more than just disagreement; it is the underlying resistance or uneasiness brought on by a conflict of priorities or viewpoints. As stated in Fisher's definition: "an incompatibility of goals or values... combined with attempts to control each other and antagonistic feelings," conflict frequently results from miscommunication, incompatible expectations, or divergent values (as cited in Communication and Conflict Management in the Workplace, n.d.).
My family avoided disagreement when I was growing up because they thought that being quiet maintained peace. I now understand, nevertheless, that avoidance can exacerbate misconceptions. From a more mature perspective, disagreement may be a driving force for development and connection if handled well. According to Welfeld (2019), being able to "see what your opponent in conversation sees" is crucial to being understood and heard.
Ultimately, I view conflict not as a problem to eliminate, but as an opportunity to reflect, listen, and engage empathetically. Constructive conflict requires awareness, emotional regulation, and active listening to move from opposition to mutual understanding (Folger, Poole, & Stutman, 2021).
References
Folger, J. P., Poole, M. S., & Stutman, R. K. (2021). Working through conflict: Strategies for relationships, groups, and organizations (8th ed.). Routledge.
Welfeld, I. (2019, March). Speaking with the enemy: Communicating through conflict [TEDx Talk]. TEDxBergenCommunityCollege. https://youtu.be/6cWpknN1pLA
